Guests receive five-star treatment at Istana wedding banquet
GUESTS to the much-anticipated Royal Banquet walked in on an immaculate evening, as could be expected of Istana Nurul Iman, but with a refreshing hint of a familial occasion.
The gold and pale emerald green colour theme of the Banquet Hall seemed intent on capturing the newness of royal couple’s state of matrimony. The generous fresh flower arrangements adorning the vast room lent the atmosphere a faint accent of being at a lavish garden party housed under an enormous marquee, and the crystal chandeliers hung high above guests like bouquets of shimmering stars.
Well-wishers in their glittering finery were ushered to their respective places at the beautifully laid tables, to be served by dapper waiters in black tuxedos. While gilt-framed banquet chairs and rich yellow programme cards were faithful to the presence of high nobility, the choice of shades for the decorative blooms conceivably offered deference to the royal bride. A gentle, feminine arrangement dominated by nodding pastel pink and lilac tulips and white roses, interspersed with strings of pearly beads, poured over the outer edge of the main banquet table like an elegant water feature. Roses and other full blossoms in similar hues were tastefully clustered around doorways and arches.
The table settings were kept simple and pleasant in a classic family style, juxtaposing fine white china trimmed with gold and a sterling silver service against a lightly-patterned tablecloth. The essential plain crystal stemware was present, but the teacups were prominently emblazoned with the Bruneian sovereign’s crest in raised gold leaf. The reflective hemispheres of individual silver dishcovers flattered the subtle silver candelabra fitted with plain white candles; three-pronged sets were placed on guest tables, while the five-pronged ones were reserved for the banquet table.
The lights in the room had been dimmed slightly to accentuate the flicker from the lit candles and the gleam of the extravagant occasion.
The royal couple swept into the hall, the bride on her husband’s arm, dressed in relatively subdued colours for the evening.
Yet although she entered the hall with one hand meekly tucked into the crook of her new husband’s arm, the royal bride seemed the star of the evening in a tiara encrusted with diamonds and large emeralds over a heavy antique lace veil dripping with embroidery.
The Brunei Times
